Collapsible garment hanger

ABSTRACT

A collapsible garment hanger includes a means for supporting a garment, an actuator configured to facilitate a movement of the means for supporting the garment between an extended position and a collapsed position, and an attachment member configured to cooperate with a support structure. The means for supporting the garment includes a pair of flexible arms having a desired spring rate to facilitate an unassisted return of the arms from the collapsed position to the extended position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is entitled to claim the benefit of, and claims priority to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/729,036 filed Nov. 21, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a garment hanger, and more particularly, to a collapsible garment hanger.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Necks of garments are sometimes overly stretched and damaged as a result of being removed from and placed on hangers in the conventional manner. The stretching usually occurs because the distance between the hanger arms is greater than the opening of the neck of the garment. To prevent damage, hangers must be separated from the clothing by reaching up through the body of the garment and manipulating the hanger down through the bottom. Or, if the garment is a button type, the necessary number of buttons must be undone before removal. If the article of clothing is removed by manipulating the hanger down through the body of the garment, the hook element is prone to damage the garment, this problem is particularly acute with knitted garments.

Because of the small necks of garments, some garment hanger manufacturers have made the arm-spans short enough to fit inside the neck of garments. The short span of these hanger arms causes the length of the arms to be inadequate for garment shoulder widths. Traditional hanger arms are either too short to adequately support the average garments shoulder length, or too wide to fit through the neck of the garment.

It is desirable to produce a collapsible garment hanger that provides adequate support to the garment, wherein a cost of manufacture and a structural complexity thereof is minimized.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In concordance and agreement with the present disclosure, a collapsible garment hanger that provides adequate support to the garment, wherein a cost of manufacture and a structural complexity thereof is minimized, has surprisingly been discovered.

The hanger includes garment carrying arms. The arms of the collapsible hanger are spring loaded and are forced downward from an extended or garment holding position to a collapsed position through the use of an actuator or sliding member. The arms return to the extended position through a release of the sliding member. Spring action created by a configuration of the arms, such as crossed ends or a loop, for example, and a material elasticity are used to urge the sliding member upward at a controlled rate through friction while allowing the carrying arms to return upward to the extended position. The overall objective of this invention is to allow the arms to be urged together such that the arms can be easily fit inside a shirt neck and/or collar to avoid a stretching of the garment during an insertion and removal of the hanger from the garment.

Another benefit of the hanger of the present invention is ease of use. The spring return action of the arms permits the garment to be easily hung on the hanger. By collapsing the arms through the use of the sliding member being forced downward, inserting the hanger into the shirt, and then simply holding onto the sliding member while the arms spring upward, the hanger of the present invention fits inside the garment more naturally than existing prior art hangers. The invention provides a longer and wider surface area onto which the garment can be place, thereby militating against creases and wrinkles in shoulder areas of delicate garments. Because the arms are configured to inwardly collapse, the garment can be removed from the hanger without the hanger being removed from a supporting structure (i.e. a closet rod). Such configuration also permits the hanger to be inserted through a neck portion of the garment as compared to inserting up through a bottom of the garment as is commonly known to do with the prior art hangers. After insertion of the collapsed hanger through the neck portion of the garment, the spring force returns the arms of the hanger to the extended position, requiring no manual operation.

In one embodiment, a collapsible garment hanger, comprises: a means for supporting a garment which is selectively positionable between an extended position and a collapsed position; and an actuator configured to receive at least a portion of the means for supporting the garment therein, wherein the actuator facilitates a movement of the means for supporting the garment between the extended position and the collapsed position.

In another embodiment, a collapsible garment hanger, comprises: a means for supporting a garment including a plurality of arms selectively positionable between an extended position and a collapsed position; and an actuator including a cavity formed therein, the cavity configured to receive at least a portion of each of the arms therein, wherein the actuator facilitates a movement of the arms between the extended position and the collapsed position.

In yet another embodiment, a collapsible garment hanger, comprises: a means for supporting a garment including a plurality of arms extending laterally outwardly from a generally loop-shaped portion thereof, wherein the arms are selectively positionable between an extended position and a collapsed position; and an actuator including a cavity formed therein, the cavity configured to receive at least a portion of each of the arms therein, wherein the actuator facilitates a movement of the arms between the extended position and the collapsed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above, as well as other objects and advantages of the invention, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of the following detailed description of the invention when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a collapsible garment hanger according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the hanger in an extended position and a portion of an actuator removed therefrom;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the collapsible garment hanger illustrated in FIG. 1, showing the hanger in a collapsed position and the portion of the actuator removed therefrom;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of a collapsible garment hanger according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing the hanger in an extended position and a portion of an actuator removed therefrom;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the collapsible garment hanger illustrated in FIG. 3, showing the hanger in a collapsed position and the portion of the actuator removed therefrom;

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of a collapsible garment hanger according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, showing the hanger in an extended position and a portion of an actuator removed therefrom;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the collapsible garment hanger illustrated in FIG. 5, showing the hanger in a collapsed position and the portion of the actuator removed therefrom;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, partially exploded, bottom perspective view of the collapsible garment hanger illustrated in FIGS. 5-6, showing the hanger in the extended position, wherein an actuator of the collapsible garment hanger includes a first portion and a second portion; and

FIG. 8 is a rear elevational view of the second portion of the actuator illustrated in FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description and appended drawings describe and illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description and drawings serve to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner.

FIGS. 1-2 show a collapsible garment hanger 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In certain embodiments, the hanger 10 is configured to support a garment (not shown). It is contemplated that the hanger 10 can be used for various other applications and uses as desired. The hanger 10 includes a means 12 for supporting the garment thereon. In certain embodiments, the means 12 for supporting the garment is a pair of flexible arms 14, 16 extending laterally, outwardly from a generally loop-shaped portion 18 thereof. It is understood that the arms 14, 16 and the portion 18 of the means 12 for supporting the garment can be separately formed as distinct components or integrally formed as a unitary structure, if desired. A length, a width, and a configuration of the arms 14, 16 are of such length, width, and configuration to support the garment. It is understood, however, that the arms 14, 16 can have any shape, size, and configuration as desired.

The arms 14, 16 are selectively positionable between a fully extended or up position shown in FIG. 1, in which the arms 14, 16 support the garment, and a collapsed or down position shown in FIG. 2, in which the garment can be removed from the hanger 10. In the extended position, the arms 14, 16 extend in opposite directions with respect to the portion 18 of the means 12 for supporting the garment. Contrarily, in the collapsed position, the arms 14, 16 extend in generally the same direction with respect to the portion 18 of the means 12 for supporting the garment such that ends of the arms 14, 16 are substantially parallel with respect to each other.

In the embodiment shown, the portion 18 of the means 12 for supporting the garment provides a spring action which causes the arms 14, 16 to move from the collapsed position to the extended position. Various materials can be used to form the arms 14, 16 and the portion 18 of the means 12 for supporting the garment such as a metal (e.g. a spring metal, a high carbon 1080 steel music wire, etc.), a plastic (e.g. a flexible plastic, a thermoplastic, a thermo setting polymer, etc.), and the like, for example. In certain embodiments, the arms 14, 16 and the portion 18 of the means 12 for supporting the garment are formed from a suitably flexible material having a desired spring rate to permit the arms 14, 16 to repeatedly return, unassisted by a user, from the collapsed position to the extended position.

As illustrated, the arms 14, 16 may be provided with a pair of extension members 20, 22, respectively. Although the extension members 20, 22 shown are separate and distinct components of the hanger 10, it is understood that the arms 14, 16 and the respective extension members 20, 22 can be integrally formed as a unitary structure, if desired. The extension members 20, 22 extend the length of the arms 14, 16 to further support the garment in the extended position. The extension members 20, 22 are configured to distribute a weight of the garment over a broader area which minimizes a formation of creases and wrinkles in a region where the arms 14, 16 of the hanger 10 support the weight of the garment (e.g. a shoulder region of the garment). The extension members 20, 22 shown are substantially similar to each other. However, it is understood that each of the extension members 20, 22 can have any suitable size, shape, and configuration as desired. It is also understood that each of the extension members 20, 22 can be formed from any suitable material as desired such as a metal or a non-metal material (e.g. plastic, foam, etc.), for example.

An attachment member 30 is coupled to the means 12 for supporting the garment. Specifically, the attachment member 30 is coupled to the portion 18 of the means 12 for supporting the garment. In certain embodiments, the attachment member 30 is configured to removably secure the hanger 10 to a support structure (not shown) such as a closet rod, a hook, and the like, for example. As shown, the attachment member 30 is generally hook-shaped. The attachment member 30 may also include an upward extending portion 32 to militate against an undesired removal of the hanger 10 from the support structure, especially when the user is removing the garment from the hanger 10. In other embodiments, the attachment member 30 is configured to secure the hanger 10 to the support structure in such manner as to militate against removal of the hanger 10 therefrom such as the attachment member 30 configured to completely surround the support structure, for example. However, it is understood that the attachment member 30 can have any shape, size, and configuration as desired.

In the embodiment shown, the portion 18 of the means 12 for supporting the garment is coupled to a lower portion of the attachment member 30. It is understood that the means 12 for supporting the garment and the attachment member 30 can be separately formed as distinct components or integrally formed as a unitary structure, if desired. The attachment member 30 is a fulcrum support for the arms 14, 16 which permits the arms 14, 16 to be positioned between the extended position and the collapsed position. The arms 14, 16 are formed with respect to the attachment member 30 and/or the portion 18 of the means 12 for supporting the garment at a predetermined angle to provide various spring rates to facilitate the unassisted return of the arms 14, 16 from the collapsed position to the extended position.

As illustrated, the hanger 10 also includes an actuator 40. The actuator 40 is configured to cause the arms 14, 16 to move from the extended position to the collapsed position. In certain embodiments, the actuator 40 is a slide member which receives the arms 14, 16 and the portion 18 of the means 12 for supporting the garment therein. The actuator 40 is selectively positionable between a first position shown in FIG. 1 and a second position shown in FIG. 2. The arms 14, 16 include respective portions 42, 44 to support and maintain the actuator 40 in the first position. The portions 42, 44 of the arms 14, 16 are also configured to guide the actuator 40 during operation of the hanger 10 and help to control the spring motion produced by the portion 18 of the means 12 for supporting the garment.

The actuator 40 is configured to slideably travel along the arms 14, 16 from the first position to the second position, thereby causing a downward motion of the arms 14, 16. The downward motion of the arms 14, 16 causes the arms 14, 16 to collapse and the portions 42, 44 thereof to crossover each other until the collapsed position is reached as shown in FIG. 2. In this way, the actuator 40 performs as a handle to create the downward motion of the arms 14, 16. It is understood that the actuator 40 can have any size and shape suitable to be gripped by a hand of the user. An outer surface 46 of the actuator 40 may also include contours and/or radii to allow fingers of the user to fit comfortably therein during a movement of the actuator 40. The actuator 40 also performs as a friction piece against the arms 14, 16 to control the return of the arms 14, 16 to the extended position. Shoulder portions 48, 50 of the respective extension members 20, 22 perform as stops to militate against the actuator 40 from being pulled too far downward and disengaged from the arms 14, 16.

As illustrated, the actuator 40 includes an interior cavity 52 formed by a first portion 54 coupled to a second portion (not shown). It is understood that the first portion 54 can be coupled to the second portion by any suitable means as desired. Although the first portion 54 and the second portion of the actuator 40 shown are separately formed as distinct components, it is understood that the first portion 54 and the second portion of the actuator 40 can be integrally formed as a unitary structure, if desired. The cavity 52 is configured to receive the arms 14, 16 and the portion 18 of the means 12 for supporting the garment therein. In certain embodiments, the cavity 52 has a substantially uniform cross-sectional area in a direction of a thickness of the actuator 40. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the cavity 52 can be varied in the direction of the thickness of the actuator 40. It is understood, however, that the cavity 52 can have any size, shape, and configuration as desired. An inner surface of the cavity 52 contacts the arms 14, 16 to provide a dampening friction effect to slow the return of the arms 14, 16 from the collapsed position to the extended position. It is understood that an amount of contact of the inner surface of the cavity 52 can be any suitable amount to obtain an optimal coefficient of friction and an optimal speed of return of the arms 14, 16 from the collapsed position to the extended position. It is also contemplated that the actuator 40 may also include additional features such as an O-ring disposed therein, for example, to increase the friction between the arms 14, 16 and the actuator 40 to further control the return of the arms 14, 16 to the extended position. The actuator 40 also controls a vibration of the arms 14, 16 and the extension members 20, 22 upon the return to the extended position.

The hanger 10 may also include a means (not shown) of locking the arms 14, 16 in the extended position to militate against deflection of the arms 14, 16 when supporting a heavier garment and/or a means (not shown) of locking the arms 14, 16 in the collapsed position to maintain a compactness thereof such as during a transportation of the hanger while traveling, for example.

In operation, the arms 14, 16 are positioned in the collapsed position using the actuator 40. Specifically, the actuator 40 is moved from the first position adjacent the attachment member 30 shown in FIG. 1 to the second position shown in FIG. 2. The arms 14, 16 and the extension members 20, 22 are brought together to a size smaller than a neck opening of the garment. Thereafter, the arms 14, 16 and the extension members 20, 22 are inserted into the neck opening of the garment. Once the hanger 10 is inserted into the garment, the actuator 40 is permitted to return or is returned by the user from the second position to the first position. Thus, the arms 14, 16 and the extension members 20, 22 are caused to be positioned from the collapsed position to the extended position in which the arms 14, 16 and the extension members 20, 22 support the garment.

When removal of the hanger 10 from the garment is desired, the arms 14, 16 are again positioned in the collapsed position using the actuator 40. More particularly, the actuator 40 is moved from the first position adjacent the attachment member 30 shown in FIG. 1 to the second position shown in FIG. 2. The arms 14, 16 and the extension members 20, 22 are brought together to a size smaller than the neck opening of the garment. Thereafter, the arms 14, 16 and the extension members 20, 22 are removed from the neck opening of the garment.

Accordingly, the hanger 10 of the present invention can be easily removed from and inserted into the garment. Hence, damage to the garment such as a stretching of the collar or neck of the garment is militated against. The hanger 10 of the present invention is easy to use and is able to be collapsed and then expanded inside the garment. As such, time needed to hang the garment is minimized and an efficiency of the user is maximized.

FIGS. 3-4 show a collapsible garment hanger 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Like the hanger 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, the hanger 100 is configured to support a garment (not shown). It is contemplated that the hanger 100 can be used for various other applications and uses as desired. The hanger 100 includes a means 102 for supporting the garment thereon and an attachment member 103. In certain embodiments, the means 102 for supporting the garment is a pair of flexible arms 104, 106. A length, a width, and a configuration of each of the arms 104, 106 are of such length, width, and configuration to support the garment. It is understood, however, that the arms 104, 106 can have any size, shape, and configuration as desired.

The arms 104, 106 are selectively positionable between a fully extended or up position shown in FIG. 3, in which the arms 104, 106 support the garment, and a collapsed or down position shown in FIG. 4, in which the garment can be removed from the hanger 100. In the extended position, the arms 104, 106 extend in opposite directions with respect to the attachment member 103. Contrarily, in the collapsed position, the arms 104, 106 extend in generally the same direction with respect to the attachment member 103 such that the ends of the arms 104, 106 are substantially parallel with respect to each other. In the embodiment shown, the arms 104, 106 are formed from a suitably flexible material having a desired spring rate to permit the arms 104, 106 to repeatedly return, unassisted by a user, from the collapsed position to the extended position. Various materials can be used to form the arms 104, 106 such as a metal, a spring metal, a high carbon 1080 steel music wire, a flexible plastic, and the like, for example.

In certain embodiments, a pair of extension members 120, 122 may be coupled to the arms 104, 106, respectively. As illustrated, the arm 104 provided with the extension member 120 and the arm 106 provided with the extension member 122 are substantially similar and are laid reversed against each other. It is understood that each of the arms 104, 106 and the respective extension members 120, 122 can be separate and distinct components or integrally formed as a unitary structure, if desired. It is also understood that the extension members 120, 122 can be formed from any suitable material as desired such as a metal or a non-metal material (e.g. plastic, foam, etc.), for example. The extension members 120, 122 extend the length of the arms 104, 106 to further support the garment and distribute a weight of the garment over a broader area, which minimizes a formation of creases and wrinkles in a region where the arms 104, 106 of the hanger 100 support the weight of the garment (e.g. a shoulder region of the garment).

In certain embodiments, the attachment member 103 is configured to removably secure the hanger 100 to a support structure (not shown) such as a closet rod, a hook, and the like, for example. In certain embodiments, the attachment member 103 is generally hook-shaped. The attachment member 103 may also include an upward extending portion 132 to militate against an undesired removal of the hanger 100 from the support structure, especially when the user is removing the garment from the hanger 100. In other embodiments, the attachment member 103 is configured to secure the hanger 100 to the support structure in such manner as to militate against removal therefrom such as the attachment member 103 configured to completely surround the support structure, for example. However, it is understood that the attachment member 103 can have any shape, size, and configuration as desired.

As shown, an end of each of the arms 104, 106 is directly coupled to a lower portion of the attachment member 103. It is understood that the arms 104, 106 and the attachment member 103 can be separately formed as distinct components or integrally formed as a unitary structure, if desired. The attachment member 103 is a fulcrum support for the arms 104, 106 which permits the arms 104, 106 to be positioned between the extended position and the collapsed position. The arms 104, 106 are coupled to the attachment member 103 at a predetermined angle to provide various spring rates to facilitate the unassisted return from the collapsed position to the extended position.

The hanger 100 also includes an actuator 140. The actuator 140 is configured to cause the arms 104, 106 to move from the extended position to the collapsed position. In certain embodiments, the actuator 140 is a slide member which receives the arms 104, 106 therein and is selectively positionable between a first position shown in FIG. 3 and a second position shown in FIG. 4. The actuator 140 is configured to slideably travel along the arms 104, 106 causing a downward motion of the arms 104, 106 that collapses the arms 104, 106 together from the extended position shown in FIG. 3 until the collapsed position is reached as shown in FIG. 4. In this way, the actuator 140 performs as a handle to create the downward motion. It is understood that the actuator 140 can have any size and shape suitable to be gripped by a hand of the user. An outer surface 146 of the actuator 140 may also include contours and/or radii to allow fingers of the user to fit comfortably therein during a movement of the actuator 140.

The actuator 140 also performs as a friction piece against the arms 104, 106 to control the return of the arms 104, 106 to the extended position. It is contemplated that the actuator 140 may also include additional features such as an O-ring disposed therein, for example, to increase the friction between the arms 104, 106 and the actuator 140 to permit further control of the return of the arms 104, 106 to the extended position. The actuator 140 also controls a vibration of the arms 104, 106 and the extension members 120, 122 upon the return to the extended position. Shoulder portions 148, 150 of the respective extension members 120, 122 perform as stops to militate against the actuator 140 from being pulled too far downward and disengaged from the arms 104, 106.

As illustrated, the actuator 140 includes an interior cavity 152 formed by a first portion 154 coupled to a second portion (not shown). It is understood that the first portion 154 can be coupled to the second portion by any suitable means as desired. Although the first portion 154 and the second portion of the actuator 140 shown are separately formed as distinct components, it is understood that the first portion 154 and the second portion of the actuator 140 can be integrally formed as a unitary structure, if desired. The cavity 152 is configured to receive the arms 104, 106 therein. In certain embodiments, the cavity 152 has a substantially non-uniform or varied cross-sectional area. For example, the cross-sectional area of the cavity 152 shown gradually increases from an upper portion adjacent the attachment member 103 to a lower portion adjacent the extension members 120, 122. In other embodiments, the cavity 152 has a substantially uniform cross-sectional area. It is understood, however, that the cavity 152 can have any size, shape, and configuration as desired. An inner surface of the cavity 152 contacts the arms 104, 106 to provide a dampening friction effect to slow the return of the arms 104, 106 from the collapsed position to the extended position. It is understood that an amount of contact of the inner surface of the cavity 152 can by any suitable amount to obtain an optimal coefficient of friction and an optimal speed of return of the arms 104, 106 from the collapsed position to the extended position. It is also contemplated that the actuator 140 may also include additional features such as an O-ring disposed therein, for example, to increase the friction between the arms 104, 106 and the actuator 140 to further control the return of the arms 104, 106 to the extended position. The actuator 140 also controls a vibration of the arms 104, 106 and the extension members 120, 122 upon the return to the extended position.

The hanger 100 may also include a means (not shown) of locking the arms 104, 106 in the extended position to militate against deflection of the arms 104, 106 when supporting a heavier garment and/or a means (not shown) of locking the arms 104, 106 in the collapsed position to maintain a compactness thereof such as during a transportation of the hanger 100 while traveling, for example.

In operation, the arms 104, 106 are positioned in the collapsed position using the actuator 140. Specifically, the actuator 140 is moved from the first position adjacent the attachment member 103 shown in FIG. 3 to the second position shown in FIG. 4. The arms 104, 106 and the extension members 120, 122 are brought together to a size smaller than a neck opening of the garment. Thereafter, the arms 104, 106 and the extension members 120, 122 are inserted into the neck opening of the garment. Once the hanger 100 is inserted into the garment, the actuator 140 is permitted to return or is returned by the user from the second position to the first position. Thus, the arms 104, 106 and the extension members 120, 122 are caused to be positioned from the collapsed position to the extended position in which the arms 104, 106 and the extension members 120, 122 support the garment.

When removal of the hanger 100 from the garment is desired, the arms 104, 106 are again positioned in the collapsed position using the actuator 140. More particularly, the actuator 140 is moved from the first position adjacent the attachment member 103 shown in FIG. 3 to the second position shown in FIG. 4. The arms 104, 106 and the extension members 120, 122 are brought together to a size smaller than the neck opening of the garment. Thereafter, the arms 104, 106 and the extension members 120, 122 are removed from the neck opening of the garment.

Accordingly, the hanger 100 of the present invention can be easily removed from and inserted into the garment. Hence, damage to the garment such as a stretching of the collar or neck of the garment is militated against. The hanger 100 of the present invention is easy to use and is able to be collapsed and then expanded inside the garment. As such, time needed to hang the garment is minimized and an efficiency of the user is maximized.

FIGS. 5-7 show a collapsible garment hanger 200 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. In certain embodiments, the hanger 200 is configured to support a garment (not shown). It is contemplated that the hanger 200 can be used for various other applications and uses as desired. The hanger 200 includes a means 202 for supporting the garment thereon. In certain embodiments, the means 202 for supporting the garment is a pair of flexible arms 204, 206 extending laterally, outwardly from a generally loop-shaped portion 208 thereof. As shown in FIG. 7, the arms 204, 206 are offset from one another to permit the arms 204, 206 to crossover each other during operation of the hanger 200. The arms 204, 206 and the portion 208 of the means 202 for supporting the garment can be separately formed as distinct components or integrally formed as a unitary structure, if desired. A length, width, and configuration of the arms 204, 206 are of such length, width, and configuration to support the garment. It is understood, however, that the arms 204, 206 can have any size, shape, and configuration as desired.

The arms 204, 206 are selectively positionable between a fully extended or up position shown in FIG. 5, in which the arms 204, 206 support the garment, and a collapsed or down position shown in FIG. 6, in which the garment can be removed from the hanger 200. In the extended position, the arms 204, 206 extend in opposite directions with respect to the portion 208 of the means 202 for supporting the garment. Contrarily, in the collapsed position, the arms 204, 206 extend in generally the same direction with respect to the portion 208 of the means 202 for supporting the garment such that ends of the arms 204, 206 are substantially parallel with respect to each other.

In the embodiment shown, the portion 208 of the means 202 for supporting the garment provides a spring action which causes the arms 204, 206 to move from the collapsed position to the extended position. Various materials can be used to form the arms 204, 206 and the portion 208 of the means 202 for supporting the garment such as a metal (e.g. a spring metal, a high carbon 1080 steel music wire, etc.), a plastic (e.g. a flexible plastic, a thermoplastic, a thermo setting polymer, etc.), and the like, for example. In certain embodiments, the arms 204, 206 and the portion 208 of the means 202 for supporting the garment are formed from a suitably flexible material having a desired spring rate to permit the arms 204, 206 to repeatedly return, unassisted by a user, from the collapsed position to the extended position.

As illustrated, the arms 204, 206 may be provided with a pair of extension members 220, 222, respectively. Although the extension members 220, 222 shown are integrally formed as a unitary structure, it is understood that the arms 204, 206 and the respective extension members 220, 222 can be separate and distinct components of the hanger 200, if desired. The extension members 220, 222 extend the length of the arms 204, 206 to further support the garment in the extended position. The extension members 220, 222 are configured to distribute a weight of the garment over a broader area which minimizes a formation of creases and wrinkles in a region where the arms 204, 206 of the hanger 200 support the weight of the garment (e.g. a shoulder region of the garment). The extension members 220, 222 shown are substantially similar to each other. However, it is understood that each of the extension members 220, 222 can have any suitable size, shape, and configuration as desired. It is also understood that each of the extension members 220, 222 can be formed from any suitable material as desired such as a metal or a non-metal material (e.g. plastic, foam, etc.), for example.

An attachment member 230 is coupled the means 202 for supporting the garment. Specifically, the attachment member 230 is coupled to the portion 208 of the means 202 for supporting the garment. In certain embodiments, the attachment member 230 is configured to removably secure the hanger 200 to a support structure (not shown) such as a closet rod, a hook, and the like, for example. As shown, the attachment member 230 is generally hook-shaped. The attachment member 230 may also include an upward extending portion (not shown) to militate against an undesired removal of the hanger 200 from the support structure, especially when the user is removing the garment from the hanger 200. In other embodiments, the attachment member 230 is configured to secure the hanger 200 to the support structure in such manner as to militate against removal of the hanger 200 therefrom such as the attachment member 230 configured to completely surround the support structure, for example. However, it is understood that the attachment member 230 can have any shape, size, and configuration as desired.

In the embodiment shown, the portion 208 of the means 202 for supporting the garment is coupled to a lower portion of the attachment member 230. It is understood that the means 202 for supporting the garment and the attachment member 230 can be separately formed as distinct components or integrally formed as a unitary structure, if desired. The attachment member 230 is a fulcrum support for the arms 204, 206 which permits the arms 204, 206 to be positioned between the extended position and the collapsed position. The arms 204, 206 are formed with respect to the attachment member 230 and/or the portion 208 of the means 202 for supporting the garment at a predetermined angle to provide various spring rates to facilitate the unassisted return of the arms 204, 206 from the collapsed position to the extended position.

As illustrated, the hanger 200 also includes an actuator 240. The actuator 240 is configured to cause the arms 204, 206 to move from the extended position to the collapsed position. In certain embodiments, the actuator 240 is a slide member which receives the arms 204, 206 and the portion 208 of the means 202 for supporting the garment therein. The actuator 240 is selectively positionable between a first position shown in FIG. 5 and a second position shown in FIG. 6. The arms 204, 206 are configured to guide the actuator 240 during operation of the hanger 200 and help to control the spring motion produced by the portion 208 of the means 202 for supporting the garment.

In certain embodiments, the actuator 240 is configured to slideably travel along the arms 204, 206 from the first position to the second position, thereby causing a downward motion of the arms 204, 206. The downward motion of the arms 204, 206 causes the arms 204, 206 to collapse and crossover each other until the collapsed position is reached as shown in FIG. 6. In this way, the actuator 240 performs as a handle to create the downward motion of the arms 204, 206. It is understood that the actuator 240 can have any size and shape suitable to be gripped by a hand of the user. An outer surface 246 of the actuator 240 may also include contours 241 and/or radii to allow fingers of the user to fit comfortably therein during a movement of the actuator 240. The actuator 240 may also perform as a friction piece against the arms 204, 206 to control the return of the arms 204, 206 to the extended position.

As illustrated, each of the arms 204, 206 includes at least one contour 242 formed therein. It is understood that at least one contour 242 can be formed in the extension members 220, 222 if desired. The contours 242 perform as stops to militate against the actuator 240 from being pulled too far downward and disengaged from the arms 204, 206. The contours 242 can also be configured to comfortably receive fingers of the user to allow the user to grasp the arms 204, 206 and/or the extension members 220, 222 during use of the hanger 200. Each of the arms 204, 206 and/or the extension members 220, 222 may also include a protuberance (e.g. a rib, a ridge, a tooth, and the like, etc.) or a detent formed therein which performs as a stop to militate against disengagement of the actuator 240 therefrom.

In certain embodiments, the actuator 240 includes an interior cavity 252 formed by a first portion 254 coupled to a second portion 255. Although the first portion 254 and the second portion 255 of the actuator 240 shown are separately formed as distinct components, it is understood that the first portion 254 and the second portion 255 of the actuator 240 can be integrally formed as a unitary structure, if desired. As illustrated, the first portion 254 is coupled to the second portion 255 by an interference fit between male members 256 of the first portion 254 and female members 257 (shown in FIG. 8) of the second portion 255. It is understood, however, that the first portion 254 can be coupled to the second portion 255 by any suitable means as desired such as adhesive, fasteners, clips, and the like, for example. The cavity 252 is configured to receive the arms 204, 206 and the portion 208 of the means 202 for supporting the garment therein. In certain embodiments, an opening 258 is formed in the first portion 254 of the actuator 240 and an opening 259 is formed in the second portion 255 thereof. Each of the openings 258, 259 of the actuator 240 receive a corresponding one of the arms 204, 206 therein.

An inner surface of the cavity 252 contacts the arms 204, 206 to provide a dampening friction effect to slow the return of the arms 204, 206 from the collapsed position to the extended position. It is understood that an amount of contact of the inner surface of the cavity 252 can be any suitable amount to obtain an optimal coefficient of friction and an optimal speed of return of the arms 204, 206 from the collapsed position to the extended position. It is also contemplated that the actuator 240 may also include additional features such as an O-ring disposed therein, for example, to increase the friction between the arms 204, 206 and the actuator 240 to further control the return of the arms 204, 206 to the extended position. The actuator 240 also controls a vibration of the arms 204, 206 and the extension members 220, 222 upon the return to the extended position.

The hanger 200 may also include a means of locking the arms 204, 206 in the extended position to militate against deflection of the arms 204, 206 when supporting a heavier garment and/or a means of locking the arms 204, 206 in the collapsed position to maintain a compactness thereof such as during a transportation of the hanger while traveling, for example. For example, the inner surface of the cavity 252 can be configured to support and maintain the actuator 240 in the first position. In certain embodiments, the inner surface of the cavity 252 includes opposing contours 260 formed therein to receive the portion 208 of the means 202 for supporting the garment therein and opposing contours 262, 263 formed adjacent the respective openings 258, 259 to receive a generally arcuate portion 264 of a corresponding one of the arms 204, 206 to support and maintain the actuator 240 in the first position. It is understood, however, that the cavity 252 can have any size, shape, and configuration as desired.

In operation, the arms 204, 206 are positioned in the collapsed position using the actuator 240. Specifically, the actuator 240 is moved from the first position adjacent the attachment member 230 shown in FIG. 5 to the second position shown in FIG. 6. The arms 204, 206 and the extension members 220, 222 are brought together to a size smaller than a neck opening of the garment. Thereafter, the arms 204, 206 and the extension members 220, 222 are inserted into the neck opening of the garment. Once the hanger 200 is inserted into the garment, the actuator 240 is permitted to return or is returned by the user from the second position to the first position. Thus, the arms 204, 206 and the extension members 220, 222 are caused to be positioned from the collapsed position to the extended position in which the arms 204, 206 and the extension members 220, 222 support the garment.

When removal of the hanger 200 from the garment is desired, the arms 204, 206 are again positioned in the collapsed position using the actuator 240. The actuator 240 is moved from the first position adjacent the attachment member 230 shown in FIG. 5 to the second position shown in FIG. 6. The arms 204, 206 and the extension members 220, 222 are brought together to a size smaller than the neck opening of the garment. Thereafter, the arms 204, 206 and the extension members 220, 222 are removed from the neck opening of the garment.

Accordingly, the hanger 200 of the present invention can be easily removed from and inserted into the garment. Hence, damage to the garment such as a stretching of a collar or neck of the garment is militated against. The hanger 200 of the present invention is easy to use and is able to be collapsed and then expanded inside the garment. As such, time needed to hang the garment is minimized and an efficiency of the user is maximized.

From the foregoing description, one ordinarily skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications to the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A collapsible garment hanger, comprising: a means for supporting a garment which is selectively positionable between an extended position and a collapsed position; and an actuator configured to receive at least a portion of the means for supporting the garment therein, wherein the actuator facilitates a movement of the means for supporting the garment between the extended position and the collapsed position.
 2. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 1, wherein the means for supporting the garment is in the extended position when the actuator is positioned in a first position, and is in the collapsed position when the actuator is positioned in a second position.
 3. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 1, wherein the means for supporting the garment includes a plurality of arms configured to support the garment.
 4. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 3, wherein the means for supporting the garment includes a generally loop-shaped portion having the arms extending laterally outwardly therefrom.
 5. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 3, wherein the arms are offset from one another to permit at least a portion of the arms to crossover each other during operation of the hanger.
 6. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 3, wherein at least one of the arms is provided with an extension member to extend a length of the at least one of the arms.
 7. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 4, wherein the generally loop-shaped portion is configured to provide a spring action which causes the arms to move from the collapsed position to the extended position.
 8. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 1, wherein the means for supporting the garment includes an attachment member configured to cooperate with a support structure.
 9. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 1, wherein an outer surface of the actuator includes at least one contour formed therein.
 10. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 1, wherein the actuator includes a cavity formed therein, the cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the means for supporting the garment therein.
 11. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 10, wherein the cavity is formed by a first portion of the actuator coupled to a second portion thereof.
 12. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 10, wherein an inner surface of the cavity of the actuator is configured to maintain the actuator in a first position.
 13. A collapsible garment hanger, comprising: a means for supporting a garment including a plurality of arms selectively positionable between an extended position and a collapsed position; and an actuator including a cavity formed therein, the cavity configured to receive at least a portion of each of the arms therein, wherein the actuator facilitates a movement of the arms between the extended position and the collapsed position.
 14. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 13, wherein the arms extend laterally outwardly from a generally loop-shaped portion of the means for supporting the garment.
 15. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 13, wherein the arms are offset from one another to permit at least a portion of the arms to crossover each other during operation of the hanger.
 16. A collapsible garment hanger, comprising: a means for supporting a garment including a plurality of arms extending laterally outwardly from a generally loop-shaped portion thereof, wherein the arms are selectively positionable between an extended position and a collapsed position; and an actuator including a cavity formed therein, the cavity configured to receive at least a portion of each of the arms therein, wherein the actuator facilitates a movement of the arms between the extended position and the collapsed position.
 17. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 16, wherein at least one of the arms includes at least one contour formed therein to militate against a disengagement of the actuator from the arms.
 18. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 16, wherein the generally loop-shaped portion is configured to provide a spring action which causes the arms to move from the collapsed position to the extended position.
 19. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 16, wherein an inner surface of the cavity includes at least one contour formed therein, the at least one contour configured to receive a portion of the generally loop-shaped portion of the means for supporting the garment therein.
 20. The collapsible garment hanger of claim 16, wherein an inner surface of the cavity includes at least one contour formed therein, the at least one contour configured to receive a generally arcuate portion of one of the arms. 